A NEW anthology showcasing stories inspired by Midland will be launched at the Old Midland Courthouse on Friday, March 6 as part of the City of Swan’s Writers in Residence program.

The publication, Junction, features a collection of poems, prose, comics and free verse created by six writers during a two-month residency at the Courthouse Studio in 2024.

Writers Lakshmi Kanchi, Chris Bell, Lisa Collyer, Bianca Breen, Bec Bowman and Nina Dakin drew on the people, places and history of Midland to shape the works included in the anthology.

City of Swan Mayor Tanya Richardson said the project highlighted the value of creativity within the community.

“This anthology reflects the diverse voices and experiences of our residents and visiting writers alike,” she said.

“It is a celebration of how art can flourish when nurtured by a supportive, engaged community.”

The Writers in Residence program provides local and visiting creatives with dedicated space to develop their work while engaging with the Midland community.

The book launch will be held at 6:30pm at the Old Midland Courthouse and will include a one-hour panel discussion with the contributing writers, facilitated by Dr Robert Wood from the Centre for Stories.

The discussion will explore how community engagement can “ignite new ideas and influence creative writing”.

The anthology has been published by City of Swan Libraries as part of its ongoing efforts to support local arts and storytelling.

The free event is open to the public, with attendees encouraged to register through the City of Swan.